Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Tag: Philippine Army

Damulog town in Bukidnon declared insurgency-free

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The Municipality of Damulog in Bukidnon becomes the third municipality in the province to be officially declared insurgency-free after San Fernando and Kadingilan, the Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division said on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The declaration was formalized through Resolution No. 158, Series of 2024, and was celebrated during a ceremony held at the Municipal Gymnasium in Damulog on Tuesday, August 13.

Brigadier General Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, commended this collaborative effort, emphasizing the critical role that unity and cooperation played in achieving this milestone.

He added that the declaration is a testament to the exceptional coordination between the uniformed personnel, local authorities, and the citizens of Damulog, who worked together to set a new standard for peace and progress in Bukidnon.

Meanwhile, Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, lauded the relentless and tireless efforts of the troops under the 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion.

Hambala acknowledged the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the unwavering support from the community, which were instrumental in bringing about this historic change.

The declaration ceremony was marked by a symbolic release of doves and balloons, representing the enduring peace, unity, and prosperity that Damulog now experiences. (Rex Espiritu/Manila Standard/August 15, 2024)

Army confirms 9 terrorists involved in Marawi blast killed in Lanao del Sur

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The Philippine Army on Saturday, January 27, confirmed the death of nine members of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist organization involved in the bombing of Dimaporo gymnasium inside the Mindanao State University in Marawi City

Army Public Affairs chief, Col. Louie Dema-ala, said the operating troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, under the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, engaged in a series of firefight with heavily armed Dawlah Islamiya members from Thursday to Friday this week, in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

“The Army troops were able to neutralize nine local terrorist members and recovered eight high-powered firearms. Neutralized individuals were identified as perpetrators of the fatal MSU bombing on December 3, 2023,” Dema-ala told reporters.

Four soldiers were hurt during the encounters, which were triggered by the military’s internal security operations.

Dema-ala said the soldiers were immediately transported to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City “to acquire urgent medical attention.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the four soldiers who sustained injuries during the said operation. We remain committed to ensuring their swift recovery,” Dema-ala said. (Lade Jean Kabagani/tribune.net.ph)

NPA commander killed in Bukidnon clash

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CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Christopher Tingkayan, 23, was killed in a fierce gunfight with troops from the 8th Infantry ‘Dependable’ Battalion operating under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army

According to reports, he [Tingkayan] was a high-ranking leader of the New People Army’s Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force NEO.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion based in Impasugong, Bukidnon, said the government forces launched focused military operations following a civilian report indicating Tingkayan’s frequent supply runs into NPA territories.

He said Christopher Tingkayan, also known as Mojen/Gamot, was killed in a 10-minute firefight with the 8IB soldiers on August 23.

All soldiers were unhurt, the Battalion Commander said.

Jimboy Tingkayan alias Jovan, the slain NPA commander’s half-brother who recently surrendered, identified the body at the scene of the early morning clash in a rugged forest of Lagaslasan subvillage in Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Reports indicated that “Mojen” was with 10 fellow rebels when the firefight erupted, but his comrades fled during the encounter.

“The troopers confiscated a total of two M16 Rifles, two M653 Carbine Rifles, two M203 Grenade Launchers, an anti-personnel mine, along with various terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.

He pointed out that Mojen’s group had once been considered the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro De Gravidad of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (RSDG-NCMRC), highlighting the significance of the operation’s success in dismantling this faction.

Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, emphasized that the communist terrorist groups’ (CTG) presence in the area is an indication that the dwindling criminal group is on a desperate move to recruit and extort resources from the people and continue their income generation scheme, especially with Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections drawing near.

“It is unfortunate that the CTGs continue to sacrifice the lives of its members to pursue their criminal agenda. Once again, we are saddened by the loss of fellow Filipinos’ lives. We want the people of Bukidnon to know that their Army will not permit criminals to threaten communities and extort their hard-earned money. We are committed to maintaining peace and security in the area,” added BGen. Anayron Jr.

Notably, in the third quarter of this year alone, 4ID troops have neutralized 21 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs). Among them, five were killed in encounters, and 16 voluntarily surrendered. The troops also apprehended 36 high-powered firearms and five low-powered firearms. Noteworthy in this achievement was the elimination of the CTG’s top leader, Dionesio “Muling” Micabalo, the Regional Secretary of NCMRC. This incident occurred during an encounter with 4ID troops on July 26, 2023.

In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the 4ID commander, commended the swift response of the troops from the 8IB and 403rd Brigade in promptly securing the Malaybalay area against planned CTG atrocities.

He emphasized that the loss of another CNT member serves as a reminder of the unfortunate consequences of opposing our government.

While highlighting 4ID’s accomplishments as a testament to the people’s unwavering support and the sustained collaboration among various agencies under the whole-of-nation approach, the 4ID Commander underscored that this strategy serves as the game-changer in ultimately resolving the country’s insurgency problem. (CMO, 8IB/403Bde/4ID, PA/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Livestock livelihood gi-turnover ngadto sa mga surrenderees sa Malaybalay

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Isa ka pag turn-over sa mga livestock livelihood alang sa mga kanhi rebeldeng ang gipahigayon niadtong Agosto 10, 2023 sa Sitio Mahayag, Barangay St. Peter ning dakbayan sa Malaybalay

Ang maong kalihokan ubos sa Livestock Intensification Program sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay pinaagi sa City Veterinary Office – Livestock Production Section sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Omar T. Cahanap.

Gitambongan sa mga kawani sa buhatan sa City Veterinary, Upper Pulangi Cluster Barangay Extension Officers pinangulohan ni Darwin Sat-ao ug mga miembro sa 88 th Company sa Philippine Army Detachment, ang mga surrenderee gipasabot sa mga kaayohan sa maong livestock livelihood dili lamang sa ilang pamuyo ug kapaninguhaan apan ngadto usab sa katilingban.

Gipasabot usab ni Dr. Cahanap ang katuyoan sa programang Livestock Intensification. (LGU Malaybalay)

2 NPA members die in clash with army troops in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon

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MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the communist New People’s Army were killed in separate encounters in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon over the weekend, the Philippine Army said on Monday

On Saturday, July 8, elements of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the 901st Infantry Brigade clashed with eight

suspected NPA members in Sitio Libas, Barangay Sibahay in Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur.

This led to the death of a suspected rebel identified as Risam Gonzales Gam, also known as Kim or Miguel. Troops also captured one M653 Assault Rifle at the encounter site.

On Friday, July 7, the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company of the 403rd Infantry Brigade also figured in two separate encounters with elements of suspected communist rebels in Barangay Bontongon, Impasugong town in Bukidnon province.

The firefights, which lasted for about 30 minutes each, resulted in the death of an unidentified male communist and the capture of one M4A1 5.56mm carbine rifle and one M14 7.62mm rifle. (Inquirer.net)

Army confers gold award to Bukidnon-based 8IB

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) has conferred the “Gold Trailblazer Award” to the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Bukidnon in this year’s Army Government Pathway (AGP) program

In a statement on June 27, 2023, the 8IB said it received the highest distinction given to an Army unit, with a rate of 96.4 percent.
Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, the 8IB commander, said the award indicates the battalion’s commitment to aligning with the PA’s vision of a “world-class, multi-mission ready, and cross-domain capable Army by 2040.”
“Our efforts must be directed to sustain our gains and let us continue to be steadfast in our quest for genuine reforms,” Bacus added.
AGP helps organizations execute their transformation initiatives to yield breakthrough results. It has four stages – Initiated, Compliant, Proficient, and Institutionalized – in which Army units nationwide are rated internally, according to 8IB.
The award also indicates that 8IB has shown “exemplary progress” in governance and strategy management in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, it added.
The 8IB’s latest field accomplishments included dismantling the communist New People’s Army group earlier this month in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
An encounter that erupted led to the death of a rebel fighter and the seizure of rebel firearms and other materials. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Unang E-clip committee meeting karong 2023 sa Bukidnon, gipahigayon

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Gipahigayon pinaagi sa Department of the Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG)-Bukidnon, ang unang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee Meeting, sa pagpangulo ni Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, kinsa mao ang Committee Chairman

Ang maong meeting gipahigayon niadtong Pebrero 15, 2023 sa Casa Blanca Bar and Restaurant, syudad sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Kauban ni Gov. Roque nga nitambong sa maong tigum sila DILG-Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gean Yvish R. Ladesma, Acting PSWD Officer Ellen T. Salumintao, ug mga representanti gikan sa buhatan sa Provincial IPMR, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office ug 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, Philippine Army. (PR)

Farmers in 3 barangays in Valencia benefits from FMR Projects

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DILG Bukidnon in coordination with the Local Government of Valencia City successfully turned over a total of PhP60-Million worth of farm-to-market road projects to the Barangay of Lilingayon, Lurugan, and San Carlos under the Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), on Feb. 21, 2023

A blessing and a ceremonial road opening was initiated in the project site locations of the three barangays, and a joint program was conducted thereafter at the Covered Court of Barangay San Carlos – participated by the barangay beneficiaries, LGU-Valencia City, DILG, PNP, PA, and project contractors.

One of the program’s highlights is the signing of the Certificate of Turnover and Acceptance led by City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas as the implementing unit and duly accepted by the three beneficiary punong barangays.

“Kini nga proyekto nahatag kaninyo pinaagi sa hiniusang pagpaningkamot sa nagkada-iyang ahensya sa gobyerno. Busa atong ampingan kini para sa pagkab-ot sa tiunay nga kalamboan sa atong mga mag-uuma”, said Mayor Huervas during the ceremony.

Moreover, DILG Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla led the giving of the key of responsibility along with CLGOO Jan Eric L. Manasan and representatives from the PNP and Philippine Army to the local officials of the City.

PD Abadilla, in her statement, congratulates the three barangays and emphasized the critical role of each beneficiary in ensuring the long-term use of the road projects.

“Sauna inyo lang kining gidamgo, apan gituman na sa atuang gobyerno, og karong adlawa gitunol na kaninyo ang mga proyekto. Mao kini ang simbolo nga kamo gihatagn og pagtagad sa atong gobyerno. Busa atoang tagaan og saktong pagpakabana og pag-amping aron nga mo lungtad pa kining proyekto sa dugay pa nga katuigan”, said PD Abadilla.

Meanwhile, all three Punong barangay beneficiaries collectively expressed their appreciation to the DILG, LGU-Valencia City, and partner line agencies for the realization of their farm-to-market roads and hoped for added projects for the continued economic development of the barangays.

The activity wrapped up with the viewing of AVP featuring the completed road projects and success stories of the beneficiaries.

Each SBDP beneficiary barangays received PHP20 Million worth of funding for the implementation of their priority projects. (DILG Bukidnon)

Army Reservist from Bukidnon wins Miss Star Continental International 2023 in Vietnam

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Ms. Meriam Campong, an Army Reservist from the small town of Kibawe in Bukidnon, Philippines, was crowned Miss Star Continental International 2023 on January 7th, 2023.

The pageant, held in Vietnam, saw 35 contestants from 20 countries vying for the crown.

Contestants competed in a series of challenges; including talent and formal wear competitions, as well as interviews with the judges.

Ms. Campong, who has been a reservist of the 1003rd Community Defense Center, 10th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army, was elated to be crowned, saying, “This experience has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was surrounded by amazing contestants from all over the world, and to be chosen as the winner is truly an honor.”

Ms. Campong’s victory was especially meaningful as it marks the first time that a Philippine Army Reservist has ever won the title. Her win is being celebrated across the Philippines and beyond, as it is a testament to the strength and determination of those serving in the military.

Ms. Campong’s win is also a sign of hope for the future of the pageant world, as she hopes to use her newfound platform to inspire other young women to pursue their dreams, no matter their background or circumstance. (10th RCDG)

2 rebels die, 2 captured in Bukidnon clash

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Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels died while two others were captured by the Philippine Army (PA) in a recent clash in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the military announced Monday, Jan. 31.

According to a military report reaching Camp Aguinaldo, the clash occurred when personnel from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2ndSRB) and 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) responded to a tip from a resident about the presence of five alleged members of the NPA’s Headquarters Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (HQF Neo, NCMRC) in the hinterlands of Sitio Lamana, Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay City last Saturday.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), alleged that the rebels were extorting money and food supplies from vegetable farmers in the village.

A brief gun battle occurred when the responding troops chanced upon the armed men who fired the first shot.

After the firefight, the troops recovered the bodies of alias “Draw,” an alleged member of the dismantled Squad 1, Platoon Dario, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the NCRMC; and alias “Paet,” an alleged Communication Staff/Special Operations Group/Intel of Regional Operations Command, NCMRC.

Meanwhile, captured were Nisy Sante alias “Arnold,” 72, said to be a supply officer of Squad 1, Regional Sentro De Gravedad (RSDG) Compaq, NCMRC; and Gelloye Lipanya Sagula alias “Janjan,” 20, an alleged member of Squad 2, Team Abe of the same unit.

Pursuit operations were ongoing to arrest the fifth rebel who managed to escape from the troops.

The troops also rescued seven civilians, four of them minors, who were “threatened and extorted” by the suspects.

Bacus identified them as “Jecko,” 30, and his son “Gerald,” 11; “Raffy,” 28, his wife “Jennifer,” 24, and their children “Jepoy,” 5, “Junray,” 3, and Shantal 1.

“We rescued the civilians who were threatened and extorted by the NPA terrorists. They were approached at their farm and the CNTs [communist-terrorist group] extorted vegetables from them and when they saw the soldiers approaching, they immediately fired,” Bavus said in a local dialect.

“We are waiting for the family members of the dead CNTs in order for them to finally rest in peace. We are saddened by their demise, and it is because of the deception of the NPA terrorists,” he added.

Seized from the suspects were three caliber 45 pistols, one 9mm pistol, five magazines, one cellphone, and assorted medical supplies.

Bacus appealed to the remaining communist rebels in the area to surrender to the government and avail of social development benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.